Digital broadcasting system and digital video recording/reproducing apparatus

ABSTRACT

An apparatus that does not cause inconsistency between an original picture and an image for performing operations under a special playback mode. A transport stream from a receiver is supplied to a converter. The converter generates a data stream for normal playback. If a desired service contains control data for an interactive operation, a data stream for normal playback containing the control data is generated. Packets required for performing the special playback are selected to generate a data stream for the special playback. None of the control data is contained in the special playback stream. The normal playback stream and the special playback stream are recorded on a recording medium. In the normal playback mode, reproduction under an interactive manner is performed in accordance with the control data for the interactive operation. No inconsistency is produced between the original picture and the image for performing the operations because none of the image for the interactive operation is displayed.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser.No. 09/593,368 filed on Jun. 14, 2000, which claims the benefit ofJapanese Patent Application No. HEI 11-167495 filed on Jun. 14, 1999,the subject matter of which is expressly incorporated herein byreference in their entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates digital video recording/reproducingapparatuses capable of performing playback in cue, review and otheroperations as well as handling digital broadcasting realizinginteractive communications.

2. Description of the Related Art

1. Outline of satellite broadcasting system

1.1. State of sending radio waves in satellite broadcasting

FIG. 1 is a simplified conceptual view showing a state of sending radiowaves in satellite broadcasting. Radio waves from a ground station 2 aresent to a plurality of ground receivers (not shown) via a broadcastingsatellite 4. The broadcasting satellite 4 sends out a plural numbers oftransport streams TS1, TS2, TS3 and TS4. Each transport stream isdistinguished from the others by its frequency, plane of polarizationand other factors.

A plurality of services analogous to channels in terrestrialbroadcasting SVI1, SV12, SV13 and SV14 being packetized are multiplexedin the transport stream TS1 under a time sharing manner. Similarly,services SV21, SV22, SV23 and SV24, and services SV31, SV32, SV33 andSV34 are multiplexed respectively in the transport streams TS2 and TS3.Various control data representing indicative of program information,that of current time, control data needed for packetization and the likein addition to video data and audio data of each of the services aresent out to each of the transport streams. While, FIG. 1 shows onlythree transport streams, mamma more transport streams may be sent out.Furthermore, while FIG. 1 shows a total of four services multiplexed ineach transport stream, in actuality many more services may bemultiplexed therein.

1.2. Configuration of the transmitter

FIG. 2 is a schematic illustration of a transmitter for generating andtransmitting the transport streams described above. While, FIG. 2 showsonly the transport stream TS 1 for simplicity, other transport streamsTS2 and TS3 are generated thereby in the same manner.

Video/audio data ES1, ES12, ES13 and ES14 of the services SV11, SV12,SV13 and SV14 are provided to a video/audio data management part 7. TheVideo/audio data Es1, ES12, ES13 and ES14 are compressed by thevideo/audio data management part 7, and the resulting data are providedto a multiplex control part 9.

A multiplexing data management part 15 manages multiplexing of servicessuch that which service should be multiplexed to other. The multiplexcontrol part 9 provides services to be multiplexed to a multiplexingpart 11 under the control of the multiplexing data management part 15. Acontrol data generating part 6 generates a plurality of control datasuch as control data for multiplexing packets, that indicative ofprogram information, that indicative of current time. The control datafor multiplexing packets are assigned for correctly identifying avideo/audio data of a plurality of services being packetized under atime-sharing manner and other purposes.

The multiplexing part 11 outputs the control data and the video/audiodata ES11, ES12, ES13, and ES14 under a time-sharing manner, eachconsisting of packetized data having a fixed length.

A scrambler 12 scrambles the outputted packets using a scramble-keyprovided by a scramble-key control part 16. The transport stream TS1being scrambled is modulated with a modulating part 14 and sent out toaudiences via the broadcasting satellite 4.

The scramble-key used at the scrambler 12 is encrypted with the controldata generating part and made to be Entitlement Control (hereinafterreferred to as ECM) data. In other words, ECM data further encryptingthe key used for de-scrambling is generated. The multiplexing part 11carries out packetization including the ECM data.

1.3. Structure of the transport streams

As shown in FIG. 3, video data ES (V) 1 and audio data ES (A) 1 of theservice SV11, video data ES (V) 2 and audio data ES (A) 1 of the serviceSV12, video data ES (V) 3 and audio data ES (A) 3 of the service SV13,and video data ES (V) 4 and audio data ES (A) 4 of the service SV 14 aremultiplexed in the transport stream TS 1 generated by the transmitterdepicted in FIG. 2.

In addition, control data NIT, PAT, PMT1, PMT2, PMT3 and PMT4 arefurther multiplexed therein. Audio data and video data of the serviceSV11, SV12, SV13 and SV14 can be separated respectively by using thesecontrol data.

Further, control data for the scramble-key CCM1, ECM2, ECM3 and ECM4,control data indicative of program information EIT1, EIT2, EIT3 andEIT4, and control data for current time TDT and the like are multiplexedtherein. Although, none of them are shown in the drawing, more controldata are multiplexed in the transport stream.

Packetization of the control data, is carried out in the sequence of aline 18 a depicted in FIG. 3. In other words, packetization of thesecontrol data is carried out by the following sequence: the control dataNIT, PIT, PMTs EITs, ECMs, video data ESs (V) and audio data ESs (A).Upon completing the first round ends at the audio data ES (A) 4, furtherrounds of packetization are carried out repeatedly (see a line 18 b).

A basic structure of the packetized data is depicted in FIG. 4. Both thecontrol data and the video/audio data being packetized have thestructure as depicted in FIG. 4. PIDs are assigned to the forefront ofeach packetized data. PIDs are the references, which are uniquelyassigned to each of the packetized data to distinguish each packetizeddata from other packetized data. The data representing contents areobject data being packetized (e.g. the control data, video/audio dataand the like).

A relationship among the control data PAT, PMT1, PMT2, PMT3, PMT4 andvideo/audio data ESs in each of the services is depicted in FIG. 5. Forexample, a PID 502 is assigned to video/audio data 500 being packetized,and the video/audio data 50 in the service SV12 being encrypted.Although, Just one packet is illustrated in the drawing as a typicalillustration thereof, the video/audio data 500 is sent in a plurality ofpackets as a result of carrying out time sharing processing. Similarly,a PID 506 is assigned to ECM data 504 being packetized for generating adescramble-key, which descrambles the scramble on the video/audio data500.

The packet ID of the video/audio data 500 in the service SV12 and thatof the ECM data 504 are recorded in the control data PMT2. In view ofthis, the packet IDs of the video/audio data 500 in the service SV12 andthe ECM data 504 can be identified by obtaining the contents of thecontrol data PMT2. A PID 512 is assigned to the control data PMT2 beingpacketized as well. Although, just one packet is illustrated in thedrawing as a typical illustration thereof, the control data PMT2 is alsosent in a plurality of packets as a result of carrying out time sharingprocessing.

A packet ID of the control data PMT2 is recorded in the control dataPAT. In this way, the packet ID of the control data PMT2 in the serviceSV12 can be identified by obtaining the contents of the control dataPAT. A PID 522 is assigned to the control data PAT being packetized aswell. Packet IDs of the control data PMT1, PMT2, PMT3 and PMT4 in theservices SV11, SV12, SV13 and SV14 multiplexed in the transport streamTS1 are recorded in the control data PAT.

Control data, video/audio data, each packetized and related one anotherare sent through transport streams. It is therefore, necessary to obtainthe control data PAT in order to identify the services multiplexed inthe transport streams. In this way, the packet ID of the control dataPAT is previously set at a fixed value such as (0X0000).

Information such as transmission parameters of the transport streamsTS1, TS2 and TS3 (their frequencies or the like) and which of theservices being multiplexed into which of the transport stream isrecorded in the control data NIT (see FIG. 6). In this way, it ispossible to identify a specific service is multiplexed into which of theservice(s). Packet ID of the control data NIT is recorded in the controldata PAT.

1.4. Configuration of the receiver

FIG. 8 outlines configuration of a receiver. In the receiver, a desiredtransport stream is selected by a tuner 22 and scrambled transportstream is descrambled with a descrambler 24, then data concerned withthe desired service contained in the descrambled transport stream isseparated therefrom with a transport decoder 26. The microprocessor(hereinafter referred to as MPU) 28 sends an ECM obtained to an IC card30 and receives the a scramble-key restored by the IC card30. The MPU 28then sets the scramble-key in the descrambler 24. The video/audio dataES can thereby de descrambled.

The MPU 28 sets the packet ID of the video/audio data ES in the desiredservice into the transport decoder 26. The transport decoder 26 therebyoutputs the video/audio data ES of the service. When the packet ID ofthe control data is set in the transport decoder 26, the control datathus separated is supplied to the MPU 28.

An operation of the receiver, which currently receives the service SV33,contained in the transport stream TS3, and receives a command to switchit to the service SV12 included in the transport stream TS1 will bedescribed herein. The MPU 28 controls the transport decoder 26 to obtainthe control data NIT (i.e., by setting a PID of the control data NITinto the transport decoder 26). The description in the control datatells that the service SV 12 is multiplexed in the transport streamTS1(see FIG. 6).

In response to the description, the MPU 28 controls the tuner 22 toreceive the transport stream TS1. Further, the receiver acquires the PATand PMT 2 by controlling the transport decoder 26, and the packet IDs ofboth the video data ES (V) 2 and the audio data ES (A) 2 in the desiredservice SV12, and packet IDs of their ECMs (see an arrows α and β inFIG. 5).

Next, the video data ES (V) 2 and the audio data ES (A) 2 of the desiredservice SV12 are outputted from the transport decoder 26 by settingthese packet IDs in the transport decoder 26. In parallel with this, theMPU 28 acquires the scramble-key by sending the ECM obtained from thetransport decoder 26 to the IC card 30 and sets this in the descrambler24. Descrambled video data ES (V) 2 and audio data ES (A) 2 can therebybe obtained. Changeover of the received service is performed asdescribed above.

2. Outline of satellite broadcasting system realizing interactiveoperations

2.1. Outline of the system

Next, the outline of the satellite broadcasting system realizinginteractive operations will be described. Here, a system, which isrealized and is proposed by the applicant, is described as an example.

The layout of the transmitter is the same as that of shown in FIG. 2.However, it differs in that control data generating part 6 alsogenerates navigation data, to be described.

FIG. 8 shows the data structure of a transport stream that is sent fromthe transmitter in the broadcasting system realizing interactiveoperations. In the drawing depicts the video data ES (V) 11, ES (V) 12and ES (A) 11, ES (A) 12 in the service 11, the video data of otherservices and audio elementary streams for audio data are omitted. Thedifference from the data structure of FIG. 3 is that two (2) video/audioESs are contained in a single service SV 11. Interactive changeover ofthese two (2) video/audio ESs can be performed by operation of theoperator in accordance with the navigation data NVT1 and NVT 2 bothforming control data for realizing interactive operations. The receiveris designed so as to alter the auxiliary display in an interactivemanner by using the navigation data NVT1 and NVT2.

FIG. 9 shows the contents of control data PMT1 in the service SV11. Thecontrol data PMT1 describes the packet ID of each content (vide, audio,navigation data) and the packet ID of the ECM data for obtaining the keyfor descrambling the contents. Furthermore, since all of the video,audio, and navigation data have a plurality of contents, the contentthat is to be initially outputted is given as entry-contents. The packetID of this control data PMT itself is in “0X0011”.

FIG. 10 shows contents of the control data PAT. In the control data PAT,there are given the packet IDs of the PMTs relating to the services SV11, SV 12, SV 13 and SV14 these are multiplexed on the transport streamTS1. In this way, it is possible to identify the packet ID of theservice SV 11 is in “0X0011”. It should be noted that the packet ID ofthe control data PAT itself is fixed as “0X0000”.

FIGS. 11, and 12 show contents that are recorded in the navigation dataNVT1 and NVT2. The same contents of this set of navigation data NVT1 andNVT2 are repeatedly sent at predetermined intervals. Interactivealteration of the service contents is performed as shown in FIGS. 13through 16 in response to the operation of operator using the navigationdata NVT1 and NVT2.

An image depicted in FIG. 14 is displayed when the operator presses akey to move the cursor downward under the display shown in FIG. 13. Inother words, the reference part on the display “Order to Osaka center”shifts to the display “Tokyo center”. Further depress of the downwardkey will shift the reference part on the display to “Go to the clothingstore” as depicted in FIG. 15. The contents of the service is changedinto a Tele-shopping offering clothing items as depicted in FIG. 16 whenthe operator presses a selection button under the condition.

Such interactive operations described above are realized in accordancewith the navigation data forming control data for interactiveoperations.

Although, the services in moving pictures are selected in accordancewith the navigation data in the above-described operations, services instill images can also be selected. In that case, a desired still imageis displayed as a result of selection performed in accidence with thecontrol of the navigation data so as to select the desired still imageout of a plurality of still images being sent repeatedly as one completeservice.

3. Outline of digital video recording/reproduction apparatus

In the contrary, digital video recording/reproduction apparatusesrecording satellite broadcasting as digital data have been proposed (inJapanese patent application No. H10-367155 and related applicationsfiled invented by the applicant of this application). Otherrecording/reproduction apparatuses capable of performing cue and reviewin accordance with data for special playback stored separately from datafor normal playback have also been proposed (disclosed in Japanese LaidOpen Publication No. H06-284378 and H08-214261).

However, the prior art even not aware problems laid between theinteractive operations performed in digital broadcasting and the digitalvideo recording/reproduction apparatus for recording thereof.

The applicant has already proposed a technique by which recording andreproduction are performed while maintaining interactive capabilitythereof. The technique is superior in a view of solving the problemsoccur when the interactive operations performed in receiving digitalbroadcasting are also carried out during the recording and reproduction.The technique, however, neither pointing out the problems in theinteractive operations occurred by confusion therein nor solving theproblems.

Generally, bandwidth for recording data for special playback is limited,therefore, it is expected that one of no data for interactive operationsare recorded as the data for special playback and only a small amount ofdata are recorded even data recording is allowed. Under thecircumstances, the following problems are observed when digital data forrealizing interactive operations are recorded and reproduced.

For example, the problems will be described using a service having aninteractive capability depicted in FIG. 17. In the drawing, time travelson the left to the right hand side thereof. A display of “Quiz regardingto lions” forming an image for performing operations is displayed whenan image of a lion is displayed on the screen. A quiz on lions isdisplayed on the screen in accordance with the navigation data (thecontrol data for interactive operations) when the operator selects thedisplay of “Quiz regarding to lions” with buttons on the remotecontroller or the like.

Similar operations can be carried out upon displaying a display of “Quizregarding to elephants” forming an image for performing operations as aresult of revising its version of the navigation data so as to displayan image of an elephant. Such operations can be realized not only whenthe apparatus receives data but also at the time of performing normalplayback. Carrying out recording so as to contain the navigation datadoes this.

However, the display of “Quiz regarding to lions” forming the image forperforming operations undesirably remains on the screen regardless ofsudden change of images when playback is performed in cue because nocontrol data for realizing interactive operations are obtained. In otherwords, countermeasures for preventing such undesirable display need tobe taken in consideration of performing playback in cue. Similarproblems occur during the special playback such as review or the like.

Other problems described below arise when a service capable ofselectively displaying a plurality of still images under interactivebasis. In such service, the creator of the service may control stillimages in accordance with the control data for performing interactiveoperations, the still images being displayed on the screen responding toinputs of the operator. For example, in a service by which provide quiz,a control in which a certain still image is displayed can be carried outonly when correct answers to the quiz are inputted.

Images containing still images indicative of the correct answer,however, are unexpectedly displayed when special playback such as cueand the like is performed because no interactive control (orinsufficient interactive operation) is carried out. These problems needto be solved in order to record and reproduce services for performinginteractive operations in view of considering special playback.

Further, there is a high probability of causing the undesirable displayas a result of performing only control commands in the interactivecommand regardless of suspension of the image for performing operationswhen playback is in pause during the reproduction of a service forperforming interactive operations. This happens especially on commandsperformed depending on the time. On the contrary, there are somecommands preferably continuing even in pause such as communicationcommand between the apparatus and external apparatus(es). In such aview, problems described above for recording/reproduction of theservices for performing interactive operations need to be solved in viewof considering pause of the playback.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to overcome the above mentionedproblems and to provide a technique not causing the problems describedabove even in the special playback mode such as performing playback incue and the like when data for performing interactive operations arerecorded and reproduced.

In order to overcome the problems described above, the object of thepresent invention is to provide the means for solving the above problemswith considerations of not only a process in the playback but alsoprocesses in the recording and receiving as well as the process in thetransmitting side.

(1) A recording/reproducing apparatus of the present invention outputsan image for performing operations in accordance with control data forinteractive operation in the stream when the apparatus is in receivingand normal playback modes, carries out the interactive operationchanging a signal representing contents of the services being outputtedin accordance with an input of the operator, and not carries out theinteractive operation when the apparatus is in a special playback mode.

Therefore, no inconsistency can be produced between the original imageand the image for performing the operations in accordance with controldata for performing interactive operations under the special playbackmode.

(2) A recording/reproducing apparatus of the present invention records adata stream for playback including the normal and special playbackstream, reproduces the signals representing contents of the servicesreproduced under the normal playback mode in accordance with the datastream for normal playback when the apparatus is in the normal playbackmode, and reproduces the signals representing contents of the servicesreproduced under the special playback mode in accordance with the datastream for the special playback when the apparatus is in the specialplayback mode.

Therefore, the process load can be reduced during the special playbackmode.

(4) A recording/reproducing apparatus of the present invention generatesa data stream for special playback containing the image for performingoperations and not contains a control command, both of the image and thecommand being used for performing interactive operations, and displaysthe image for performing operations when the apparatus is in the specialplayback mode.

Thus, any inconsistencies with the picture are avoidable whiledisplaying the image for performing operations when the apparatus is ina special playback mode. During the service without any pictures, it canbe avoided any possibility to black out the picture in the specialplayback and give the viewers the feeling of insecurity caused by theblackouts.

(5) A recording/reproducing apparatus of the present invention ischaracterized by further including data for detecting whether or not aversion of control data for performing the interactive operations isupgraded into the data stream for special playback and suspendingdisplay of the image for performing operations when upgrade of thecontrol data is detected according to the detecting data during thespecial playback mode.

Therefore, inconsistency between the picture and the image forperforming the operations produced by the change of the version can beavoided.

(6) A recording/reproducing apparatus of the present invention ischaracterized by outputting a signal for notifying the suspension to theoperator when display of the image is suspended thereby.

Therefore, it can be apparent to the operator that the suspension of thedisplay of the image for performing operations is caused by theoperation of the apparatus.

(7) A recording/reproducing apparatus of the present invention ischaracterized by switching whether or not displaying the image forperforming operations in accordance with input of the operator when theapparatus is in the special playback mode.

Thus, the display conditions during the special playback mode can beselected by operator's desire.

(12) A recording/reproducing apparatus of the present invention ischaracterized in that the apparatus generates a data stream forreproduction containing a data stream for the normal playback and notcontaining a data stream for the special playback, reproduces signalsrepresenting contents of services reproduced under the normal playbackmode in accordance with the data stream for the normal playback when theapparatus is in the normal playback mode, and reproduces signalsrepresenting contents of services reproduced under the special playbackmode in accordance with the data stream for the special playback whenthe apparatus is in the special playback mode.

Thus, since the data stream for the special playback does not need to begenerated during the recording, the process load can be reduced duringthe recording.

(13) A recording/reproducing apparatus of the present invention ischaracterized in that the apparatus generates a service contents signalfor special playback not containing an image and a control command whenthe apparatus is in a special playback mode, both of the image and thecommand being used for performing interactive operations, and notdisplays the image for performing the interactive operations.

Therefore, no inconsistency can be produced between the original pictureand the image for performing the operations in accordance with controldata for performing interactive operations under the special playbackmode.

(14) A recording/reproducing apparatus of the present invention ischaracterized in that the apparatus generates a service contents signalfor special playback containing an image for interactive operations andnot containing a control command for interactive operations when theapparatus is in the special playback mode and displays the image.

Thus, any inconsistencies with the picture are avoidable whiledisplaying the image for performing operations when the apparatus is ina special playback mode. During the service without any pictures, it canbe avoided any possibility to black out the picture in the specialplayback and give the viewers the feeling of insecurity caused by theblackouts.

(15) A recording/reproducing apparatus of the present invention ischaracterized in that the apparatus detects whether or not control datafor performing interactive operations is upgraded in the data stream forspecial playback, and suspends display of the image for performing theinteractive operations when upgrade of the control data is detected.

Therefore, inconsistency between the picture and the image forperforming the operations produced by the change of the version can beavoided.

(16) A recording/reproducing apparatus of the present invention ischaracterized in that the apparatus outputs a signal for notifying thesuspension to the operator when display of the image is suspendedthereby.

Therefore, it can be apparent to the operator that the suspension of thedisplay of the image for performing operations is caused by theoperation of the apparatus.

(17)-(19) A digital transmitting apparatus and a recording/reproducingapparatus of the present invention transmits the transport stream so asto contain a special stream for special playback, generates and recordsa data stream for special playback in accordance with the specialstream.

Therefore, the process load to generate a data stream for specialplayback on the receiving apparatus can be reduced.

(27) A digital video reproduction apparatus of the present inventionoutputs an image for performing operations in accordance with controldata for performing interactive operations contained in the stream forreproduction; performs interactive operations so as to change a signalrepresenting contents of the services responding to an input of theoperator when the apparatus is in a normal playback mode; and notperforms the interactive operations when the apparatus is in a specialplayback mode.

Therefore, no inconsistency can be produced between the original pictureand the image for performing the operations in accordance with controldata for performing interactive operations under the special playbackmode.

(29) A digital video reproduction apparatus of the present invention ischaracterized by displaying the image for performing operations when theapparatus is in the special playback mode.

Thus, during the service without any pictures, it can be avoided anypossibility to black out the picture in the special playback and givethe viewers the feeling of insecurity caused by the blackouts.

(30) A digital video reproduction apparatus of the present invention ischaracterized by suspending display of the image for performingoperations when upgrade of the control data is detected during thespecial playback mode.

Therefore, inconsistency between the picture and the image forperforming the operations produced by the change of the version can beavoided.

(31) A digital video reproduction apparatus of the present invention ischaracterized by outputting a signal for notifying the suspension to theoperator when display of the image is suspended thereby.

Therefore, it can be apparent to the operator that the suspension of thedisplay of the image for performing operations is caused by theoperation of the apparatus.

(33) A recording/reproducing apparatus of the present invention carriesout an interactive operation in which the reproducing means outputs animage for performing operations in accordance with control datacontained in the transport stream being received and changes the signalrepresenting contents of the services being outputted in accordance withinput of the operator when the apparatus is in the receive mode, thenormal and the special playback modes.

Therefore, the present invention is arranged to carry out theinteractive operation actively to make no inconsistency between theoriginal picture and the image for performing the operations inaccordance with control data for performing interactive operations, eventhough it is in the special playback mode.

(34) A recording/reproducing apparatus of the present invention recordsa data stream for reproduction containing a data stream for the normaland the special playback; reproduces signals representing contents ofservices reproduced under the normal playback mode in accordance withthe data stream for the normal playback when the apparatus is in thenormal playback mode; and reproduces signals representing contents ofservices reproduced under the special playback mode in accordance withthe data stream for the special playback when the apparatus is in thespecial playback mode.

Therefore, the process load in the special playback can be reduced.

(35) A recording/reproducing apparatus of the present invention recordscontrol data for performing interactive operations equivalent to thedata stream for the normal playback so as to include into the datastream for the special playback

Thus, the interactive operations equivalent to the normal playback modecan be carried out under the special playback mode.

(36) A recording/reproducing apparatus of the present inventiongenerates and records the data stream for the special playback byomitting a part of the control data for performing interactiveoperations.

Thus, the interactive operations different from the normal playback modecan be carried out under the special playback mode.

(41) A recording/reproducing apparatus of the present invention ischaracterized by generating and recording a data stream for reproductioncontaining a data stream for the normal playback and not containing adata stream for the special playback; and reproducing signalsrepresenting contents of services reproduced under the special playbackmode in accordance with the data stream for the normal playback when theapparatus is in the special playback mode.

Therefore, since the process load in the recording is reduced, and thedata stream for the special playback is not recorded, the recordingvolume of the medium can be effectively used.

(42) A recording/reproducing apparatus of the present invention carriesout an interactive operation equivalent to that carried out in thenormal playback mode.

Therefore, no inconsistency can be produced between the original pictureand the image for performing the operations in the special and normalplayback modes.

(43) A recording/reproducing apparatus of the present invention carriesout an interactive operation different from that carried out in thenormal playback mode when the apparatus is in the special playback mode.

Thus, only the interactive operation having appropriate contents for thespecial playback mode can be carried out.

(44)-(46) A recording/reproducing apparatus of the present inventiontransmits the transport stream so as to contain a special stream forspecial playback, generates and records a data stream for specialplayback in accordance with the special stream. In addition, the specialstream contains control data for performing interactive operations.

Therefore, the process load to generate a data stream for specialplayback on the receiving apparatus can be reduced.

(47)(48) A recording/reproducing apparatus of the present invention ischaracterized in that the special stream contains control data forperforming interactive operations equivalent to that of the normalstream.

Thus, the interactive operations equivalent to that in the normalplayback can be performed in the special playback on the receiving sideby recording as it is. When the data stream for special playback isgenerated, the contents of interactive operations in the specialplayback can be different from that in the normal playback by omitting apart of control data for performing the interactive operations. Ineither case, since the special stream is provided, the data stream forspecial playback can be generated easily.

(49) A recording/reproducing apparatus of the present invention ischaracterized in that the special stream contains control data in whicha part of the control data included in the normal stream is omitted.

Thus, the interactive operations equivalent to that in the normalplayback can be performed in the special playback on the receiving sideby recording as it is. Since the special stream is provided, the datastream for special playback can be generated easily.

(53) A recording/reproducing apparatus of the present invention ischaracterized in that the apparatus not uses control data forinteractive operations obtained at beginning of a special playback modein a normal playback mode after carrying out the special playback modeif a service identifier at beginning of the special playback mode and aservice identifier at end of the special playback mode are not coincidewith each other when playback modes are switched to in a sequence of thenormal playback mode, the special playback mode and the normal playbackmode.

Thus, disorders of the interactive operation are avoidable when theplayback mode is switched back to the normal playback mode from thespecial playback mode.

(54) A recording/reproducing apparatus of the present invention ischaracterized in that the apparatus does not use control data forinteractive operations obtained at beginning of a special playback modein a normal playback mode after carrying out the special playback modeif a version of the control data at beginning of the special playbackmode and a version of the control data at end of the special playbackmode are not coincide with each other when playback modes are switchedto in a sequence of the normal playback mode, the special playback modeand the normal playback mode.

Thus, disorders of the interactive operation can be prevented when theplayback mode is switched back to the normal playback mode from thespecial playback mode.

(55)(56) A digital transmitting apparatus and a recording/reproducingapparatus of the present invention is characterized in that theapparatus transmits the transport stream from the transmitting side soas to contain special playback advisability information indicatingwhether or not allowing special playback, and when the special playbackadvisability information bans to carry out special playback, the datastream for special playback may not be generated on the receiving sideand may be banned to record on the recording medium even the data streambeing generated.

Therefore, the transmitting side can decide whether the special playbackis allowed or not, in reference to its contents. By means set forth, inthe broadcasting that transmits static images and control data forinteractive operation repeatedly, the static image that cannot be viewedwhen predetermined operation is not given can be prevented from beingplayed in the special playback.

(57)(61) A recording/reproducing apparatus of the present invention ischaracterized in that the apparatus do not carry out special playback ofa part of the service where the special playback advisabilityinformation indicates not allowing special playback.

Therefore, same effect as described above can be obtained.

(64) A recording/reproducing apparatus of the present invention ischaracterized in that the apparatus stop carrying out the interactiveoperation when the apparatus is in the pause mode.

Thus, any chance to raise the disorders of the interactive operation isavoidable during the pausing.

(66) A recording/reproducing apparatus of the present invention ischaracterized in that the apparatus suspends display of the image whenthe apparatus is in the pause mode.

Thus, any chance of operator making operational inputs can be preventedduring the pausing.

(67) A recording/reproducing apparatus of the present invention ischaracterized in that the apparatus keeps displaying the image when theapparatus is in the pause mode.

Thus, confirmation of the image for operation can be made during thepausing.

(68) A recording/reproducing apparatus of the present invention ischaracterized in that the apparatus restarts the interactive operationswhen the pause mode is released.

Thus, the interactive operation can be continued after the release ofthe pausing without any disorders.

(69)(71) A recording/reproducing apparatus of the present invention ischaracterized in that the apparatus carries out the interactiveoperation even when the apparatus is in the pause mode.

Therefore, the change of the image can be achieved in response to theinputs of the operator even when the apparatus is in the pause mode.

(72) A recording/reproducing apparatus of the present invention ischaracterized in that the apparatus completes the operations under thecontrol data being carried out at beginning of the pause mode and notaccepts further inputs when the apparatus is in the pause mode.

Thus, disorders raised from the accepting of new inputs can beprevented.

(73) A recording/reproducing apparatus of the present invention ischaracterized in that the apparatus does not carry out the operationunder the control data depending on time when the apparatus is in thepause mode.

Thus, disorders of the interactive operation from the pausing can beprevented.

(74) A recording/reproducing apparatus of the present invention ischaracterized in that the apparatus carries out processes for externalcommunications when the apparatus is in the pause mode.

Therefore, external communication processes can be implemented withoutraising any disorders to the interactive operation.

A term of “receiving means” is referred to as the means having afunctionality of receiving the transport stream and is a concept ofthings receiving transmissions applied to not only to a radiotransmission but also a wired transmission. In the embodiments of theinvention, a receiver 22 is corresponding to that part.

A term of “reproducing means” is referred to as the means forreproducing the contents of the services in accordance with thetransport stream received or the converted stream played back. In theembodiments of the invention, a CPU36, a nonvolatile memory 52, ade-scrambler 58, an IC card 56, a memory 54, a TS decoder and an AVdecoder 32 are corresponding to that part.

A term of “converting means” is referred to as the means for convertingthe transport stream into the conversion stream. In the embodiments ofthe invention, the means such as a TS decoder 50, a conversion streamgenerator 62 and CPU 58 (especially, in the Step S24 and S25) arecorresponding.

A term of “stream for playback” is referred to as the stream appliedsome process to the transport stream for recording and is a concept ofdata streams including not only a stream recorded in the final stage butalso a stream generated intermediately. In the embodiments of theinvention, the streams include the selected streams such as output fromthe terminals 50 a and 50 c of the transport decoder 50. In addition,both streams for normal playback and special playback are the streamsfor playback.

A term of “recording means” is referred to as means for recording on arecording medium. In the embodiments of the invention, a record readoutpart 66 is corresponding to that part.

A term of “readout means” is referred to as means for reading from therecording medium. In the embodiments of the invention, a record readoutpart 66 is corresponding to that part.

A term of “special playback” is referred to as the playback carried outwith the speed and direction different from the normal playback and is aconcept including such as fast-forward, rewind and single frame step.

A term “having an interactivity” is referred to as the characteristicchanging the image display and the audio outputs in accordance with theoperations of the operator and is a concept including theinteractivities not only in the case illustrated in FIG. 13 through 16but also in the electronic program guide.

A term of “control data for interactive operation” is referred to as thedata for realizing the interactivity and is a concept including acontrol command and an image for performing operations. In theembodiments of the invention, the navigation data is corresponding tothat part.

A term of “recording medium recorded a program” is referred to as therecording media recorded the programs such as ROMs, RAMs, flexibledisks, CD-ROMs, memory cards and hard disks. It is also a conceptincluding the communication media such as telephone circuits and carrierlines. The concept also includes the recording medium not only the harddisk connected to the CPU and in which the recorded program is directlyexecuted, but also the CD-ROM recording the program being executed afteran installation in the hard disk. In addition to the programs describedherein, it includes not only directly executable programs but alsoprograms such as source programs, compressed programs and encryptedprograms.

In the present invention, the term “receiving means” represents meansfor receiving a transport stream and is not restricted to wirelesstransmissions but is a concept including reception of wiredtransmissions, a receiver 22 corresponds to the receiving means.

The term “reproducing means” represents means for reproducing contentsof services in accordance with one of a transport stream being receivedand a converted stream. In the embodiment, a CPU 36, a nonvolatilememory 52, a descrambler 58, an IC card 56, a memory 54, a TS decoder 26and an AV decoder 32 correspond to the reproducing means.

The term “converting means” represents means for converting thetransport stream to a converted transport stream. In the embodiment, aTS decoder 50, a converted stream generator 62 and a CPU (stepsperformed thereby, in particular, steps S24 and S25) correspond to theconverting means, for instance.

The term “data stream for reproduction” represents a concept including astream being processed in some ways to the transport stream forrecording purposes and not restricted to a stream finally recorded butincluding a stream generated in intermediate phases. For example, in theembodiment, a selected stream outputted from terminals 50 a, 50 c of thetransport decoder 50 is included in the data stream for reproduction.Both a data stream for normal playback and a data stream for specialplayback correspond to the data stream for reproduction.

The term “recording means” represents means for recording information ona recording medium. In the embodiment, a reader 66 corresponds to therecording means.

The term “special playback” represents a playback method different fromnormal playback in its speed and its directions.

The phrase “for realizing interactive operations or having interactivecapabilities” represents capabilities by which displays on the screenand sounds being outputted are varied in response to inputs of theoperator, not only the images depicted FIGS. 13 through 16 but includinginteractive capabilities in an electric program guidance and similaractivities.

The term “data for realizing interactive operations” represents data forrealizing interactive capabilities and that also represents a conceptincluding a control command, an image for performing operations. In theembodiment, navigation data correspond to the data.

The term “program storage medium” represents a recording medium such asa ROM, RAM, a flexible disk, a CD-ROM, a memory card, hard disk and thelike on which a program(s) is stored. Also, it is a concept includingcommunication media such as telephone lines, carrier channels. It is aconcept including not merely recording media such a as hard diskconnected to a CPU whereby the program(s) recorded is directly executed,but also recording media such as CD-ROMs on which is recorded aprogram(s) that is executed after first installing it on the hard disketc. Also, term “program(s)” as referred to herein represents not just aprogram(s) that is directly executable but also a program(s) in a sourceform, or a program(s) that has been subjected to compression processingor an encrypted program and the like. Further, “navigation data” in theembodiment include the concept of the term “program(s)”.

Other objects and features of the present invention will be moreapparent to those skilled in the art on consideration of theaccompanying drawings and following specification wherein are disclosedseveral exemplary embodiments of the invention with the understandingthat such variations, modifications and elimination of parts may be madetherein as fall within the scope of the appended claims withoutdeparting from the spirit of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a conceptual view showing a state of sending radio waves insatellite broadcasting.

FIG. 2 is a schematic view illustrating the layout of a transmitter.

FIG. 3 is a view showing the layout of the packetized data.

FIG. 4 shows a data structure of packetized data.

FIG. 5 is a view illustrating relationships among packetized data.

FIG. 6 is a view showing the contents of control data NIT.

FIG. 7 is a schematic view illustrating the layout of a receiver.

FIG. 8 is a view showing an arrangement of packetized data contained ina transport stream.

FIG. 9 is a view showing the contents of control data PMT1.

FIG. 10 is a view showing the contents of control data PAT.

FIG. 11 is a view showing the contents of navigation data NVT1.

FIG. 12 is a view showing the contents of navigation data NVT2.

FIG. 13 is a view showing an image of tele-shopping displayed on ascreen.

FIG. 14 is another view showing an image of tele-shopping displayed onthe screen.

FIG. 15 is another view showing an image of tele-shopping displayed onthe screen.

FIG. 16 is another view showing an image of tele-shopping displayed onthe screen.

FIG. 17 is a view illustrating an example of a service in whichdisplayed images are changed by passage of time.

FIG. 18 is a view illustrating inconsistency between an image generatedby special playback and an image for performing operations.

FIG. 19 is a schematic diagram illustrating the overall structure of arecording/reproducing apparatus according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 20 is a schematic view illustrating hardware structure of therecording/reproducing apparatus according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 21 is a flowchart of a program executed in a receive mode.

FIG. 22 is a flowchart of a program for interrupting and executing thenavigation data.

FIG. 23 is a detailed schematic view illustrating of an AV decoder 52.

FIG. 24 is a view showing the external appearance of a remotecontroller.

FIG. 25 is a view showing the contents of a communication log.

FIG. 26 is a flowchart of a program executed in a record mode.

FIG. 27 is a view showing the contents of a conversion PMT for normalplayback.

FIG. 28 is a view showing the contents of a conversion PAT.

FIG. 29 is a view showing a data stream for normal playback indiagrammatic form.

FIG. 30 is a view showing the contents of a conversion PMT for specialplayback.

FIG. 31 is a view showing a data stream for special playback indiagrammatic form.

FIG. 32 is a view illustrating a state of a data stream for reproductionbeing recorded

FIG. 33 is a view illustrating a state of control data DIT beingrecorded.

FIG. 34 is a flowchart of a program for executing a normal playbackmode.

FIG. 35 is a flowchart of a program for executing a special playbackmode.

FIG. 36 is a view showing the contents of a conversion PMT for specialplayback.

FIG. 37 is a view showing a data stream for special playback indiagrammatic form.

FIG. 38 is a view showing an arrangement of a transport streamcontaining a special stream.

FIG. 39 is a view showing the contents of the control data PMT1.

FIG. 40 is a schematic view illustrating hardware structure of therecording/reproducing apparatus according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 41 is a view showing the contents of a conversion PMT for specialplayback.

FIG. 42 is a view showing a data stream for special playback indiagrammatic form.

FIG. 43 is a schematic view illustrating hardware structure of therecording/reproducing apparatus according to the fourth embodiment.

FIGS. 44A through 44C are views illustrating data of a normal playbackmode interposing that of a special playback mode therebetween.

FIG. 45 is a view illustrating an arrangement of Video/Audio data ES forstill images.

FIG. 46 is a flowchart of a program executed in the record mode.

FIG. 47 is a flowchart of a program executed in the special playbackmode.

FIG. 48 is a flowchart of a program executed in a pause mode.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Contents

4. First embodiment

-   -   4.1. Recording/reproducing apparatus    -   4.2. Hardware structure of recording/reproducing apparatus and        functions thereof        -   4.2.1 Receive mode        -   4.2.2 record mode        -   4.2.3 Normal playback mode        -   4.2.4 Special playback mode    -   4.3. Other embodiments        -   4.3.1 Displaying image for operations as it is        -   4.3.2 Including image for operations in data stream for            special playback

5. Second embodiment

-   -   5.1. Structure and functions of transmitter    -   5.2. Structure and functions of recording/reproducing apparatus    -   5.3. Other embodiments

6. Third embodiment

7. Fourth embodiment

8. Fifth embodiment

-   -   8.1 Other embodiments

9. Sixth embodiment

10. Seventh embodiment

-   -   10.1. Structure and functions of transmitter    -   10.2. Structure and functions of recording/reproducing apparatus    -   10.3. Other embodiments

11. Eighth embodiment

-   -   11.1. Structure and functions of recording/reproducing apparatus    -   11.2. Other embodiments

12. Others

4. First embodiment

FIG. 9 shows the overall structure of a recording/reproducing apparatus32 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The radio wavescaptured with an antenna 20 are demodulated as a single transport streamby a receiving means 34. In a receive mode, a transport stream from thereceiving means 34 is supplied to reproducing means 40. The reproducingmeans 40 selects packets as to a desired service out of the transportstream and reproduces and outputs signals representing contents ofservices (for example, composite signals such as in NTSC) in accordancewith the contents of the selected packets. A video/audio output means 46receives the signals representing contents of services and outputsvideo/images.

In a record mode, the transport stream from the receiving means 34 issupplied to converting means 36. The converting means 36 converts thetransport stream to a packetized data stream being multiplexed suitablefor recording and generates a data stream for normal playback. Theconverting means 36 generates a data stream for normal playback byselecting packets as to a desired service out of the transport streamand, of these packets, selecting the packets that are needed forreproduction. A data stream for normal playback containing navigationdata is generated when the desired service contains the navigation data.

Similarly, the converting means 36 also generates a data stream forspecial playback by selecting packets that are needed for specialplayback. The converting means 36 outputs the data stream for normalplayback and the data stream for special playback as a data stream forreproduction. Recording means 38 records the data stream forreproduction on a recording medium 44. In this embodiment, navigationdata is not contained in the data stream for special playback even whenthe desired service contains the navigation data.

In a normal playback mode, the data stream for normal playback is readout from the recording medium 44 with read out means 42. The data streamthus read out is supplied to the reproducing means 40. The reproducingmeans 40 reproduces and outputs signals representing contents ofservices (for example, composite signals such as in NTSC) in accordancewith the data stream thus supplied. The video/audio output means 46outputs video/images upon receipt of the signals representing contentsof services.

Further, the reproducing means 40 changes the signals representingcontents of services being outputted so as to carry out interactiveoperations based on inputs made through operations handling means 54 inaccordance with the navigation data.

In a special playback mode, the data stream for normal playback is readout from the recording medium 44 with read out means 42. The data streamthus read out is supplied to the reproducing means 40. The reproducingmeans 40 reproduces and outputs signals representing contents ofservices (for example, composite signals such as in NTSC) in accordancewith the data stream thus supplied. The video/audio output means 46outputs video/images upon receipt of the signals representing contentsof services.

No data processing for interactive operations is carried out in thespecial playback mode. In addition, the image for operation displayedjust before the start of the special playback mode is disappeared withthe initiation of the special playback mode.

4.2. Hardware structure of recording/reproducing apparatus and functionsthereof

FIG. 20 shows a block diagram of the recording/reproducing apparatus 32depicted in FIG. 19 by using a CPU. The apparatus 32 comprises areceiving part 68, a recording/reproduction part 70. The CPU 58 controlsother parts in accordance with a program stored in a memory 60.

The apparatus can be switched into one of a receive mode, a record mode,a normal playback mode, a special playback mode. Details of each ofthese modes will be described hereunder.

4.2.1 Receive mode

Here, assuming that a transport stream depicted in FIG. 8 is currentlybeing sent. Further assumption is made that video data ES (V) 11, ES (V)12, audio data ES (A) 11, ES (A) 12 are contained in a service SVI1, andthat the video data ES (V) 11 and the audio data ES (A) 11 representscontents of a tele-shopping offering daily necessities, and that thatthe video data ES (V) 12 and the audio data ES (A) 12 representscontents of a tele-shopping offering clothing. FIG. 21 is a flowchart ofa program stored in the memory 60.

Operations of the CPU 58 upon receipt of a command for switching theservice currently received to the service SVI1 in the transport streamTS1 will be described under an assumption that the service SV 13 in thetransport stream TS 1 is currently received. The command to the CPU 58is provided through an operation panel or a remote controller. Anoperation inputting part 54 is a photo-sensing part for receiving thecommand from one of the operation panel and the remote controller.

Initially, the CPU 58 sets a packet ID of a PAT in a register (notshown) for separation of control data of a transport decoder (TSdecoder) 50. The packet ID of the PAT is determined in fixed manner as“0X0000. The TS decoder 50 thereby records (step S11) the contents ofthe PAT, which is thus separated in the memory 60. The PAT contains atable of the services that are multiplexed on the transport stream TS1that is currently being received (see FIG. 10). In this way, it ispossible for the CPU 58 to realize that desired service SV II ismultiplexed on the transport TS1 that is currently being received. Thatis, the processing of the CPU 28 proceeds to step S18 from step S12.

In step S18, the packet ID of the PMT in the desired service SV11 isacquired using the PAT being obtained. In this case, “0X0011” isacquired (see FIG. 10). Next, the CPU 58 sets the packet ID “0x11” ofthe PMT in the register of the TS decoder 50 that is used for separatingthe control data. In this way, control data PMT1 in the service SV 11can thereby be separated and its contents is extracted into the memory60 (step S19).

Details of the control data PMT1 in the service SV11 is depicted in FIG.9. The CPU 58 judges whether or not the service SV11 contains thenavigation data NVTs (in other words, whether or not the service iscapable of performing interactive operations) in accordance with thecontrol data PMT1 (step S191). The contents of the service currentlyreceived are outputted when no NVTs are contained therein (steps S20,S21 and S22).

The CPU 58 recognizes packet IDs of video, audio and the navigation datathese form entry-contents as well as that of ECMs for those data whenthe service contains the NVTs as depicted in FIG. 9 (step S192). Here,packet ID “0x0096” of the video data ES (V) 11, packet ID “0x0098” ofthe audio data ES (A) 11, packet ID “0x0092” of the navigation data NVT1 and packet ID “0x0082” of ECM data for these data are recognized.

Next, the CPU 58 obtains ECM data by setting the packet ID “0x0082” ofECM data in the register of the TS decoder. Further, the ECM data thusobtained is supplied to the IC card 56 and a scramble key reproducedthereby is sent back. The scramble key thus obtained is set to thedescrambler 48 (step S193). In this way, the packets of the video dataES (V) 11, ES (V) 12, the audio data ES (A) 11, ES (A) 12 and thenavigation data NVT1, NVT2 are thereby put into descrambled condition.

Also, the CPU 58 sets the packet IDs “0x0096” and “0x0098” of the videodata ES (V) 11 and the audio data ES (A) 11 in a register (no shown) ofthe TS decoder that is used for separation of ESs (step S194). As aresult, the TS decoder outputs the video data ES (V) 11 and the audiodata ES (A) 11 both being separated to an AV decoder 52.

Upon receipt of the separated data, the AV decoder performsdecompression (uncompress) of the compressed data and performs D/A(Digital to analog) conversion to generate a video composite signal. Thesignal thus generated is supplied to a TV set 46 and that is reproducedas video and audio thereby. Here, assuming that moving images forperforming a tele-shopping offering daily necessities depicted in FIG.13 are displayed on the screen. Buttons B0, B1 and B3 positioned atlower right of the screen are displayed in accordance with navigationdescribed below, and no data for displaying such buttons is contained inthe video data ES (V) 11 and the audio data ES (A) 11.

The CPU 58 sets the packet ID “0x0092” of the navigation data NVT1 in aregister (no shown) of the TS decoder that is used for separation ofcontrol data in step S194. As a result, the navigation data NVT1 isstored in the memory 60 under the temporary basis. Assuming that thenavigation data NVT1 depicted in FIG. 11 is stored therein.

Successively, the navigation data thus stored is interpreted andexecuted accordingly (step S195).

FIG. 22 shows a flowchart of a program for interpreting and executingthe navigation data, the program being stored in the memory 60.

At first, the CPU 58 reads out information having “0” in object indexnumber from an object table of the navigation data NVT1 depicted in FIG.11, and displays a button according to the information listed in thetable (step S1001). In other words, bitmap data indicated in the bitmaptable is displayed at a position of X co-ordinate “500” and Yco-ordinate “200”. This is pre-set so as to display a bitmap of thefocus condition in regard to the object of index number “0”.Consequently, it is controlled so as to display the data having bitmapindex number “1” (highlighted display: “place an order to Osakacenter”).

In practice, the CPU 58 supplies the data having bitmap index number “1”(highlighted display: “Place an order to Osaka center”) to a videosynthesize unit 52 c of the AV decoder 52. In this way, the videosynthesize unit 52 c generates image data in which the highlighteddisplay “place an order to Osaka center” is superimposed on the videodata of ES (V) 11. Consequently, the button B0 is displayed on thescreen of the TV set 46 as depicted in FIG. 13.

Similarly, the button B1 in FIG. 13 is displayed in accordance with theinformation of index “1” listed on the object table of the navigationdata NVT1 depicted in FIG. 11. In this case, however, data of the bitmapindex in the normal condition is displayed for object indexes other thanobject index “0”. In other words, the display processing of “Place anorder to Tokyo center”, which is not highlighted, is performed (stepS1002).

Furthermore, the display processing of the button B2 “Go to the clothingshop” (unhighlighted display) depicted in FIG. 13 is performed inaccordance with the information of index “2” on the object table (stepS1002).

By performing a plurality of processing described above, a displaysuperimposing the buttons B0, B1 and B2 which correspond to the movingimages for describing merchandise is obtained. As apparent from thescreen, the display is effected in a condition with the button B0 “Placean order to Osaka Center” selected. In response to the display, the CPU58 stores the information that objects index “0” is the currentlyselected object.

Next, if a key 82 of the remote controller 78 that moves the cursordownwardly is depressed, an operation inputting part 54 receives thecommand and notifies the command to the CPU 58. The CPU 58 identifiesthe input via the operation inputting part (step S1003) and proceeds theprocess to step S1004 if the input is the “key to move the cursordownwardly”.

In step S1004, the number of the currently selected object isincremented in accordance with the object table in the navigation dataNVT1 so that the object index “1” is put into the selected condition. Inother words, the bitmap shown in the focus condition column is displayedin respect of the object index “1”, while displaying the bitmapindicating the normal condition for the other object indexes “0” and“2”.

In this way, the screen of the TV set 46 is changes as depicted in FIG.14. That is, the button B1 “Place an order to Tokyo center” is put inthe selected condition.

Furthermore, the screen display is put into a condition in which thebutton B2 “Go to the clothing shop” is selected when the operatordepresses the key that moves the cursor downwardly as depicted in FIG.15. Also, the screen display returns to the condition depicted in FIG.14 from the condition depicted in FIG. 15 when a key 80 that moves thecursor upwardly is depressed.

Although, only operation of the keys 80 and 82 for moving the cursor isillustrated in the above embodiment, control of keys 86 and 88 formoving the cursor to the left and right directions can be performed aswell if the object indexes are arranged two-dimensional manner.

The CPU 58 proceeds the process to step S1005 from step S1003 when theselection button 78 is depressed under the condition depicted in FIG.15. At step S1005, the CPU 58 acquires a handler index that is given tothe handler column of the object index which is currently in theselected condition by referring the navigation data NVT1. Here, itacquires the handler index “2” of the handler column because objectindex “2” is selected.

Furthermore, the CPU 58 acquires the script corresponding to the handler“2” and executes accordingly (step S1006). Here, it acquires a command“Go to contents (index 1)”. The command “Go to contents ( )” is acommand to change over the contents having thew index number within thebrackets ( ) displayed in the hyper link table. Consequently, changeoverto the contents (tele-shopping for clothing) of hyper link index “1”displayed in the hyper link table is performed.

The video, audio and navigation data each forming link target, packetIDs “0X0097”, “0X0099” and “0X0093” of these data are respectivelyassigned to the hyper link index “1” of the hyper link table. The CPU 58sets the packet IDs “0X0097” and “0x0099” in the register of the TSdecoder that are used for ES separation and sets the packet ID “0x0093”in the register thereof for control data separation.

In this way, the TS decoder 50 outputs video data ES (V) 12 and audiodata (A) 12 to the AV decoder. As a consequence, the TV set 46 displaysthe video of tele-shopping for clothing depicted in FIG. 16 and outputsthe audio thereof.

Also, the navigation data NVT2 depicted in FIG. 12 is separated with theTS decoder 50 and stored in the memory 60 in place of the navigationdata NVT1. The processing depicted in FIG. 22 is performed in regard tothe navigation data NVT 2, with the result that buttons B10, B11 and B12are displayed as depicted in FIG. 16.

An order placement for a merchandise displayed on the screen can be madewhen the operator presses the selection button 84 (see FIG. 24) underthe condition with the button B10 “Place an order to Osaka center” beingselected depicted in FIG. 16. The processing for the operation will bedescribed below.

The CPU 58 proceeds the process to step S1005 from step S1003 when theselection button 84 is depressed. At step S1005, the CPU 58 acquires ahandler index that is given to the handler column of the object indexwhich is currently in the selected condition by referring the objecttable of the navigation data NVT1. Here, it acquires the handler index“0” of the handler column because object index “0” is selected.

Next, the CPU 58 executes the script corresponding to the handler index“0” in a handler definition table. In other words, it executes“send_string (index 1, index2)”. “send_string (A,B) is a command formake a phone call the phone number of index “A” of a string able and totransmit the string of index “B”. Consequently, the CPU 58 acquires aphone number “06-636-XXXX” corresponding to string index “0” in thestring table and makes a phone call to the number “06-6368-XXXX” bycontrolling a communication line control unit 76 depicted in FIG. 10.The phone number is the number of the Osaka handling center for thistele-shopping. The CPU 58 sends data indicative of “product code: B-133”corresponding to the string index “2” in the string table when the lineis connected. At time that time, the CPU 58 acquires ID(s) forspecifying the purchaser from the IC card or the memory 60 and sends theID(s) as well.

The CPU 58 records whether or not the above communications successfullydone in the form of an online log in the memory 60. An example of suchrecord is depicted in FIG. 25. An indication “0” is recorded if thecommunications successfully done, another indication “X” is written ifnot. The CPU 58 records the time at which communications took place byacquiring control data TDT contained in the transport stream and/or itsown calendar or clock or the like.

It is possible to realize whether or not an order placement from thepurchaser has successfully been performed by displaying the log.

Processing in the receive mode is executed as described above. Although,not described in the above, the merchandise that are described in videoare designed to be changed with time in this embodiment. Consequently,it is designed to transmit navigation data of different contentscorresponding thereto (for example, with different product code at index“2” of the string table).

4.2.2 Record mode

FIG. 26 shows a program for record mode which is recorded in the memory60, in the form of a flowchart. Steps S11 through S22 and steps S192through S195 are the same as in the case of the receive mode. FIG. 26shows processing in the case where a service is recorded that containsnavigation data i.e. that recording processing that is performed inparallel with step S195. In FIG. 26, processing proceeds utilizing theinformation (packet ID) that was acquired in the receive mode. However,it is necessary to acquire the PID of the desired service and that ofcontrol data or the like by processing identical with that of thereceive mode when the record mode is executed independently from thereceived mode.

At step S23, the CPU 58 sets the packet IDs of the ES, that of thenavigation data NVT, that of the NIT, that of the PAT and that of thePMT in the service that is desired to be recorded in the register (notshown) of the TS decoder 50 which is used for separation of recordeddata. In the case of recording the service SV11, the respective packetIDs depicted in FIGS. 25, 26, and 7 are set. For the video data, audiodata and navigation data, the packet IDs for both a tele-shopping fordaily necessities and that for clothing are set.

In this way, the TS decoder 50 outputs the video and audio data ES (V)11, ES (V) 12, ES (A) 11, ES (A) 12, the PAT, PMT1 and NIT directly inthe packetized condition to the a converted stream generator 62.

The CPU 58 generates a converted PMT1 for normal playback (step S24) byacquiring the converted PMT1 that is recorded in the memory 60 andselecting, of the information that is given there, only relating to thedesired service SV11. For example, the packet ID of the ECM out of theinformation contained in the converted PMT1 is not needed duringreproduction so that the packet ID is eliminated. As a result, theconverted PMT1 eliminating unrelated information forrecording/reproduction of the desired service SV11 is obtained out ofthe information contained in the PMT1. FIG. 27 shows the converted PMTfor normal playback that is thus obtained.

Next, the CPU 58 generates control data SIT describing information ofthe services and events (programs) contained in the converted streambeing recorded (step S25).

The CPU 58 supplies the PMT1 and the control data SIT thus generated toan MPU 64. The MPU 64 supplies these data to the converted streamgenerator 62 which generates a converted stream.

The converted stream generator 62 receives the PAT from the TS decoder50 and thereby generates a converted PAT containing only informationrelated to the desired service SV 11, and replaces the PAT by thisconverted PAT. At that time, the packet ID of the NIT contained in thePAT is converted to the packet ID of the SIT. The converted PAT is shownin FIG. 28. Also, the PMT from the TS decoder 50 is replaced with theconverted PMT received from the MPU 64. Furthermore, the NIT from the TSdecoder 50 is substituted by the SIT received from the MPU 64.

In this way, a converted stream is obtained in which arepacket-multiplexed the desired service ES, navigation data NVT, SIT,converted PAT and converted PMT. FIG. 29 shows the stream for the normalplayback thus obtained in diagrammatic form.

Next, the process for generating a data stream for special playback willbe described. The CPU 58 generates a converted PMT1 for special playback(step S261) by acquiring the converted PMT1 that is recorded in thememory 60 and further selecting, of the information that is given there,only relating to the desired service SV11. For example, packet IDs ofaudio that of navigation data and the like contained in the PMT1 areeliminated in this embodiment.

As a result, the converted PMT1 eliminating unrelated information forrecording/reproduction of the desired service SV11 is obtained out ofthe information contained in the PMT1. FIG. 30 shows a converted PMT forspecial playback that is thus obtained.

No packet ID of the navigation data is recorded in the conversion PMTfor special playback because no interactive control is carried outduring the special playback. Similarly, only a packet ID of audio isrecorded since no audio is reproduced during the special playback.

The CPU 58 supplies the conversion PMT for special playback thusgenerated as described above to the MPU 64 (step S262). The MPU 64supplies the PMT to a converted stream generator 63 for special playbackwhich generates a converted stream for special playback.

The converted stream generator 63 receives a conversion PMT for normalplayback. The generator 63 extracts only packets representing video(0x0096, 0x0097) out of the packets contained in the conversion PMT fornormal playback and selects data so called “I picture” (data capable ofreproducing images in a complete form under independent manner) out ofthe video packets. The generator 63 further selects packets out of the Ipicture so as to enable the special playback such as cue and review byadjusting the number of the packets for the playback speed thereof.

The generator 63 eliminates unnecessary packets for carrying out specialplayback (audio data, most of the video data, navigation data and thelike) contained in the data stream for normal playback. In addition, thegenerator 63 replaces the PMT for normal playback with the PMT forspecial playback.

In this way, a converted stream for special playback is obtained inwhich ES of video for special playback, SIT, converted PAT and convertedPMT are packet-multiplexed. FIG. 31 shows the stream for specialplayback thus obtained in diagrammatic form.

Next, the CPU 58 supplies a command for recording to the MPU 64 (stepS27). Upon receipt of the command, the MPU 64 records the data streamfor normal playback and the data stream for special playback on amagnetic tape 44 by controlling a recording/readout part 66.

FIG. 32 is a view illustrating a state of a data stream for reproductionbeing recorded. The recording/readout part 66 records the stream fornormal playback on a track TC. The recording/readout part 66 iscontrolled for sequentially recording the stream for special playback ona region TTC extending so as to across a plurality of the track TC. Thestream recorded on the region TTC is a stream for cue mode. Similarly, astream for review mode is recorded on a region TTB.

When a command for suspending recording is provided from the operationinputting part 54, the CPU 58 supplies the command to the MPU 64 (stepsS28 and S29). Upon receipt of the command, the MPU 64 suspends recordingperformed by the recording/readout part 66.

Control data and navigation data contained in the stream for specialplayback being recorded on the magnetic tape 44 are repeatedlypacketized and multiplexed even the contents of which are identical withthese data being unprocessed. As a consequence, reproduction of themagnetic tape can be performed even starting at a mid-way thereof.

If another service is selected during the recording of the servicecurrently received, the service selected latter is recorded after theselection. In that case, the generator 62 and the generator 63 generatecontrol data DIT (Discontinuity Information Table) indicative of theboundary for discontinuity of information as a result of detectingdiscontinuity of the service (information) by themselves or inaccordance with a command from the CPU 58. The control data DIT thusgenerated is allocated at the head of the service latter selected and ispacket-multiplexed as depicted in FIG. 33. Similarly, DIT is allocatedat the head of when totally new recording is started. DIT is alsoallocated when different program is recorded even in the same service.

All of the video, audio, navigation data contained in the service SV11are recorded in the stream for normal playback regardless of the changein display of the received data (change depicted if FIGS. 29 through 32)performed in accordance with the navigation data NVT1 and NVT2.

Although, the generator 62 and the generator 63 are provided in therecording/reproducing part 70 in this embodiment, these generators canbe provided in the receiving part 68. By doing that, therecording/reproducing part 70 may simply record a conversion streamoutputted from the receiving part 68 as it is.

4.2.3 Normal playback mode

FIG. 34 shows a program for a normal playback mode which is recorded inthe memory 60, in the form of a flowchart. When a command for performingnormal playback is provided, the apparatus is turned into the normalplayback mode. Description in below is made under an assumption thatdata recorded during the record mode described above are reproduced.

Initially, the CPU 58 supplies a command for performing normal playbackto the MPU 64. Upon receipt of the command, the MPU 64 controls therecording/readout part 66 so as to read out a stream for normal playbackfrom the magnetic tape. The stream thus read out is provided to the TSdecoder 50.

Subsequently, the CPU 58 sets a packet ID “0x0000” of a conversion PATin a register for separation of control data of TS decoder 50, and theconverted PAT in the converted stream is thereby separated and stored inthe memory 60 (step S32). The packet ID of the converted PMT isrecognized from the description of thereof given in this converted PAT(step S33).

Further, the packet ID “0x0001” of the converted PMT is set in theregister for separation of control data of the TS decoder 50, and theconverted PMT is thereby separated from the converted stream and storedin the memory 60 (step S34). The description of the converted PMT isused to judge whether or not the navigation data NVT is contained in theservice that is to be reproduced (step S341).

Processing proceeds to step S342 if the navigation data NVT is containedtherein. In step S342, the description of the converted PMT is used torecognize the packet ID of the entry-contents. The packet ID s “0x0096”,“0x0098” and “0x0092” of the video data ES (V) 11, audio data ES (A) 11and thew navigation data NVT1 are then recognized (step S342).

Next, the CPU 58 sets the packet ID s of the video data ES (V) 11 andaudio data ES (A) 11 in the register for ES separation of the TS decoder50, and sets the packet ID of the navigation data NVT 1 in the registerfor control data separation.

In this way, the TS decoder 50 separates the video data ES (V) 11 andthe audio data ES (A) 11 from the converted stream. The separated videodata ES (V) 11 and the separated audio data ES (A) 11 are then outputtedto the AV decoder 52 (step S343).

Upon receipt of the separated data, the AV decoder 52 performsdecompression (uncompress) of the compressed data and performs D/A(Digital to analog) conversion to generate a video composite signal. Thesignal thus generated is supplied to the TV set 46 and that isreproduced as video and audio thereby. In this way, video depicted inFIG. 13 can be obtained.

Also, the TS decoder 50 separates the navigation data NVT 1 from theconverted stream and the navigation data NVT 1 is stored in the memory60 under the temporary basis (step S343). The navigation data NVT1 isthen interpreted and executed accordingly (step S345). This partialprocessing is the same as that performed in the flowchart shown in FIG.22. Consequently, the buttons B0, B1 and B2 are displayed on the screen,with the selected condition as depicted in FIG. 13.

Subsequently, the selected button is altered as depicted in FIGS. 13, 14and 15 when the buttons 80 and 82 that move the cursor. Also, as shownin FIG. 16, the contents is altered to the contents of the tele-shoppingfor clothing when the selection button 84 is depressed under thecondition depicted in FIG. 15. Further, a phone call is made to theOsaka center when the selection button 84 is depressed in the conditionwhere the button BIO depicted in FIG. 16 is selected, and an orderplacement for a merchandise is carried out. An online log storing thesuccess or incomplete communication is also stored in the memory 60 asdepicted in FIG. 25.

It should be noted that the distinction between communications made atthe receive mode and that made at the playback mode is recorded in the“mode” column.

A described above, the contents can be interactively altered under thecontrol performed by the operator even in the playback mode, just as inthe receive mode.

If, the CPU 58 discovers the presence of a DIT in the converted streamduring the playback, the process returns to step S32, and performs thefollowing processing of the converted PAT (step S37). This is becausethe DIT indicates a point of discontinuity of the recorded data. Theprocess also stops the display of the image (the button B0 and the like)for control purposes that was displayed in accordance with thenavigation data and ensures that interactive processing based on thecurrently stored navigation data is not performed.

When a command for suspending playback is provided from the operationinputting part 54, the CPU 58 supplies the command to the MPU 64 (stepsS38 and S39). Upon receipt of the command, the MPU 64 suspends readoutof the stream for normal playback from the magnetic tape 44 performed bythe recording/readout part 66 as a result of control there of.

4.2.4 Special playback mode

FIG. 35 shows a program for executing a special playback mode which isrecorded in the memory 60, in the form of a flowchart. When a commandfor performing normal playback is provided, the apparatus is turned intothe normal playback mode. Description in below is made under anassumption that data recorded during the record mode described above arereproduced.

The CPU 58 supplies the command performing normal playback to the MPU64. Upon receipt of the command, the MPU 64 controls therecording/readout part 66 so as to read out a stream for specialplayback from the magnetic tape 44. The stream thus read out is providedto the TS decoder 50.

Subsequently, the CPU 58 sets the packet ID “0x0000” of a conversion PATin the register for separation of control data of TS decoder 50, and theconverted PAT in the converted stream is thereby separated and stored inthe memory 60 (step S340). The packet ID “0x0011” of the converted PMTfor special playback is recognized in accordance with description of theconverted PAT (step S330).

Further, the packet ID “0x0011” of the converted PMT is set in theregister for separation of control data of the TS decoder 50, and theconverted PMT is thereby separated from the converted stream and storedin the memory 60 (step S340). The description of the converted PMT isused to judge whether or not two (2) or more contents (ES) that to bereproduced in special playback are contained in accordance with thedescription of the converted PMT (step S350). Here, the process proceedsto step S360 because there are two (2) of ESs in the PMT as depicted inFIG. 30.

In step 360, the contents being reproduced under normal playback mode atright before the current special playback mode is selected. For example,if the ES (V) 12 (clothing store) was reproduced under normal playbackmode, the ES (V) 12 (clothing store) is selected.

Any contents may be selected if no contents were reproduced under normalplayback mode at the right before the current playback.

Also, if just one content is contained in the PMT, the content isselected.

Subsequently, the CPU 58 sets the packet ID of the video data ES (V) 12in the register for ES separation of the TS decoder 50. As a result, theTS decoder 50 separates the video data ES (V) 12 from the convertedstream. The separated video data ES (V) 12 is then outputted to the AVdecoder 52 (step S370).

Upon receipt of the separated data, the AV decoder 52 performsdecompression (uncompress) of the compressed data and performs D/A(Digital to analog) conversion to generate a video composite signal. Thesignal thus generated is supplied to the TV set 46 and that isreproduced as video and audio thereby as video for special playback(cue, review).

As described above, neither of interactive operations nor display of theimage for performing operation are carried out in this embodiment. Thisleads that the image displayed during normal playback mode disappears atthe time the apparatus is in special playback mode without any givennotice. In this embodiment, however, a command for displaying a noticeof disappearance of the image is outputted to the AV decoder 52 fordisplaying the notice. For example, a notice “No image for performingoperation is displayed in cue mode” is displayed on the screen.

When a command for ending playback is provided from the operationinputting part 54, the CPU 58 supplies the command to the MPU 64 (stepsS390 and S400). Upon receipt of the command, the MPU 64 suspends readoutof the stream for special playback from the magnetic tape 44 performedby the recording/readout part 66 as a result of control there of.

In this embodiment, the same packets IDs are used for contentscorresponding to one another in both normal playback and specialplayback. In this way, linearity of contents in the case of changingplayback mode from normal playback mode to special playback mode evenwhen not two (2) or more contents are contained.

4.3. Other embodiments

4.3.1 Displaying image for operations as it is

In the above-described embodiment, the image for interactive operationis disappeared with the initiation of the special playback mode.However, the image for performing operations in normal playback mode maybe displayed continuously even in special playback mode by storing theimage in the video synthesize unit 52 c of the AV decoder 52.

If continuous display is performed as described above, there might be apossibility of causing inconsistencies between images displayedaccording to special playback and the image for performing operations.The following countermeasure should be taken in order to avoid theinconsistencies.

A version upgrade flag (version upgrade information) is included in thedata stream for special playback at when upgrade of the navigation datais detected in the record mode. For example, the flag is written in theconversion PAT and the conversion PMT.

In the special playback mode, the image for performing operations in thenormal playback is displayed as it is, and display of the image issuspended if upgrade of the navigation data is detected as a result ofobserving the presence of the flag in the conversion PAT and theconversion PMT. In this way, the inconsistencies between imagesdisplayed according to special playback and the image for performingoperations can be avoided.

Upgrade of the navigation data may also be detected by recognizinghistory of the version on the navigation data being recorded instead ofthe version upgrade flag.

4.3.2 Including image for operations in data stream for special playback

In the embodiment described above, none of the image for performingoperations is contained in the stream for special playback. However,data NV1 and NV2 indicative of the image for performing operations maybe included in the stream for special playback as depicted in FIGS. 36and 37. As depicted in FIG. 36, packet IDs of the image for performingoperations are designed to be the same to that of the navigation datadefining the image. This is to the same as the reason for using the samepacket IDs for contents corresponding to one another in both normalplayback and special playback in the special playback mode.

In the special playback mode, an image for performing operationscorresponding to video currently displayed is displayed in accordancewith the stream for special playback. In this way, the inconsistenciesbetween images displayed according to special playback and the image forperforming operations can be avoided.

During the service without any pictures such as satellite digital audiobroadcast, no Images are displayed on the screen when the image foroperations is disappeared. Under the circumstances so called blackout,the viewers feels insecure from a probability that the apparatus mightbe out of order. It is advantageous to display the image for performingoperations even in the case.

In this embodiment, no input for operation is handled during the specialplayback mode. In order to clarify this, a warning notice such as “Nointeractive operations can be performed during the playback is in cue”may be displayed on the screen.

5. Second embodiment

5.1. Structure and functions of transmitter

The layout of a transmitter according to the second embodiment of thepresent invention is the same as that of shown in FIG. 2. However, itdiffers in that the video/audio data management part 7 generates datafor the special playback in respect to each of the services. The datafor the special playback is converted into a special stream and iscontained in the transport stream with a data multiplexing part 10.

FIG. 38 shows the transport stream thus generated. FIG. 39 is a viewshowing the contents of the control data PMT1. Special playback ES (V)11 and ES (V) 12 represent streams for special playback respectivelygenerated in accordance with ES (V) 11 and ES (V) 12. In thisembodiment, the streams are formed in the form further selecting packetsfrom the picture. Also, the data NV1 and the NV2 are images forperforming operations respectively contained in the navigation data NVT1and NVT2.

5.2. Structure and functions of recording/reproducing apparatus

FIG. 40 is a schematic view illustrating hardware structure of therecording/reproducing apparatus according to the second embodiment. Inthis embodiment, the apparatus is designed so as to fetch the specialstream from the terminal 50 c of the transport decoder 50. The generator63 generates the stream for special playback upon receipt of the specialstream.

The load for the generator 63 can be decreased relative to that in thefirst embodiment because the special steam contains video furtherselected for the special playback. As a consequence, processing of thespecial stream can be carried out quickly. The special stream to berecorded is the same as that depicted in FIG. 37. It is, therefore, theimage for performing operations is displayed even in the specialplayback.

5.3. Other embodiments

Although, the image for operations is contained in the special stream inthe above embodiments, the image may not be contained therein. In thatcase, the image is not contained in the stream for special playbackgenerated with the recording/reproducing apparatus.

Also, it is possible to design the apparatus to select whether or notcontaining the image for operations into the special stream.

Furthermore, it is possible for the apparatus to generate the image foroperations and makes the image to contain into the special stream whilemaking the image not to contain into the special stream.

6. Third embodiment

Hardware structure of the recording/reproducing apparatus according tothe present invention is the same as that of shown in FIG. 20. In thisembodiment, the stream for special playback is generated so as tocontain the navigation data NVT1 and NVT2 as depicted in FIGS. 41 and42. In other words, the generator 63 carries out the followingprocessing; thinning video streams, discarding audio streams, andremaining navigation data.

In this way, interactive operation corresponding to the inputs throughthe operation inputting part 54 can be realized even in the specialplayback mode.

The navigation data to be recorded in the stream for special playbackmay be the same as that to be recorded in the stream for normalplayback. However, partial recording of the navigation data may also becarried out if the width of the memory area for special playback is insmall.

In this embodiment, control with interactive manner can be carried outeven in the special playback mode because control commands in thenavigation data are recorded in the stream for special playback.

7. Fourth embodiment

FIG. 43 is a schematic view illustrating hardware structure of therecording/reproducing apparatus according to the fourth embodiment. Inthis embodiment, only the stream for normal playback is recorded on thetape 44 and none of the stream for special playback is generated norrecorded thereon.

In the normal playback mode, a series of processing is carried out forthe normal playback; reading out the stream for normal stream recordedon the tape, providing the stream to the TS decoder 50 under the as-iscondition. In the special playback mode, the stream for normal playbackthus read out is supplied to the generator 63 through switching ofswitches 63 a, 63 b. The generator 63 generates streams required forperforming special playback and provides the resultant streams to the TSdecoder 50.

As described above, the streams required for performing the specialplayback are generated during the playback in this embodiment.Consequently, the recording volume of the medium can be effectively usedwhile performing the special playback because only the stream for normalplayback is recorded on the recording medium.

Also, the special playback can be carried out even with a recordingmedium which records only the streams for normal playback.

Furthermore, several alternatives such as whether or not containing theimage for operations into the special stream, whether or not performinginteractive control in the special playback and whether or notdisplaying the image for performing operations, similar to that of thefirst through the third embodiment may be prepared.

8. Fifth embodiment

The layout of the transmitter is the same as that of shown in FIG. 2.However, it differs in that the video/audio data management part 7generates data for the special playback in respect to each of theservices. The data for the special playback is converted into a specialstream and is contained in the transport stream with the datamultiplexing part 10 similar to the second embodiment.

Although, the transmitter described in the second embodiment notcontains control data in the navigation data into the transport stream,the transmitter according to this embodiment does contain the controldata therein.

The hardware structure of the recording/reproducing apparatus accordingto the fifth embodiment is similar to that depicted in FIG. 40. In thisembodiment, the apparatus is designed so as to fetch the special streamfrom the terminal 50 c of the transport decoder 50. The generator 63generates the stream for special playback upon receipt of the specialstream.

The stream for special playback to be recorded is the same as thatdepicted in FIG. 42. Consequently, the image for operations is displayedeven in the special playback.

8.1 Other embodiments

In all the embodiments described above, navigation data (control data)to be contained in the special stream may be the same navigation data tobe contained in the normal stream. However, only a part of thenavigation data may be contained in the special stream.

Also, it is possible to design the apparatus to select whether or notcontaining the control data into the stream for special playbackgenerated by the apparatus while containing the navigation data (controldata) into the special stream.

9. Sixth embodiment

Various controls for navigation and display of the image for operationsin the special playback have been discussed in the embodiment describedabove. There are some other problems to be soled when the normalplayback is performed before and after execution of the special playbackas depicted in FIGS. 44A to 44C. That is, there is a probability causinginconsistencies in the control of the apparatus if the navigation dataobtained at a starting point a of special playback (the ending point ofthe previous normal playback) is used at the ending point a of thespecial playback (the staring point of the latter normal playback).

In order to solve the problem, a service ID at the point α is (seestored, and matching between the service ID at the point a and a serviceID at the point β is carried out. The navigation data obtained at thepoint α is used at the point β If both are matched (see FIG. 44B). Ifthey are not matched, a new navigation data is obtained at the point βbecause the service has been changed to another during the specialplayback (see FIG. 44).

Although, decision is made depending upon the service IDs in theembodiment described in above, the decision may be made under version ofthe navigation data itself and the like.

10. Seventh embodiment

10.1. Structure and functions of transmitter

The layout of a transmitter according to the seventh embodiment of thepresent invention is the same as that of shown in FIG. 2. However, itdiffers in that the video/audio data management part 7 makes each of theservice so as to contain a version upgrade flag (version upgradeinformation) whether or not allowing the special playback therein. Theflag may be written in the PMT.

A type of broadcasting in which a plurality of still images arerepeatedly transmitted, and controlling which of the images is displayedaccording to the navigation data, and performing the display in aninteractive manner in response to inputs made by the operator, isavailable. With the broadcasting, a quiz program in which askingquestions to the operator(s) and make him/her to select the answer, andanother questions is displayed only the case if the answer to thequestion is correct, can be realized.

In such a program, it is not desirable for the operator to display thestill images in a random manner. In other words, images should bedisplayed after carrying out predetermined processes are undesirablydisplayed without carrying out the predetermined processes during thespecial playback.

Such undesirable display can be banned as to the service (or the event)if a flag for banning the special playback.

10.2. Structure and functions of recording/reproducing apparatus

Hardware structure of the recording/reproducing apparatus according tothe seventh embodiment is the same as that shown in FIG. 20. FIG. 46 isa flowchart of a program executed in the record mode. In step S 263, theCPU 58 judges whether or not a flag(s) for special playback written inthe PMT is in “permit” or “ban”. If the flag is in “permit”, a datastream for special playback is generated and the stream is recorded onthe recording medium. In the contrary, data stream for special playbackis not recorded on the recording medium when the flag is in “ban”. As aconsequence, only the stream for normal playback is recorded on the tape44 when the flag is in “ban”. The flag is recorded under the as-iscondition into a converted PMT of the stream for normal playback.

FIG. 47 is a flowchart of a program executed in the special playbackmode. When the special playback is selected, the converted PMT of thestream for normal playback is obtained at step S301. Subsequently, theCPU 58 judges whether or not the flag(s) for special playback written inthe PMT is in “permit” or “ban” (step S302). If the flag is in “permit”,the process proceeds to step S310 in which processing for specialplayback is performed. In the contrary, a display indicative that thespecial playback is in ban and end the process if the flag is in “ban”.

10.3. Other embodiments

Although, the flag for special playback is written to all the servicesand the events, the flag may be written based on a predetermined periodwithin the event for describing detailed information.

Though, none of the stream for special playback is recorded on the tapewhen the flag is in “ban” in the above embodiment, the stream may berecorded on the tape even when the flag is in “ban” unless the specialplayback is performed in the playback mode

In addition, in the case of recording only the stream for normalplayback and then generates a stream for special playback, the specialplayback may not be performed when the flag is in “ban”.

11. Eighth embodiment

11.1. Structure and functions of recording/reproducing apparatus

Hardware structure of the recording/reproducing apparatus according tothe eighth embodiment is the same as that shown in FIGS. 20, 40 and 43.Consequently, one of these structures may be applied to the apparatus inthis embodiment.

FIG. 48 is a flowchart of a program executed in a pause mode. The CPU 58controls the AV decoder 52 to maintain the contents currently displayingas it is (step S2001). If the image for operation is displayed on thecontents, the display of the image is maintained as well.

Subsequently, the program for interpreting and executing the navigationdata depicted in FIG. 22 obtains a command currently being executed(step S2002). The CPU 58 then judges whether or not the command (forexample, the command of “send_string” in FIG. 11) is a command forcarrying out communications to the outside (step S2003). If the commandis not for carrying out the communication, the CPU 58 suspends theexecution of the program (step S2005). The CPU 58 also suspends theexecution of the program (step S2005), after executing the program ifthe judgement at step S2003 is YES (step S2004).

In this embodiment, only commands for carrying out communications to theoutside except for that causing any inconveniences are executed duringthe suspension period. It is preferred that execution of the commandshould be hold even passing for five (5) seconds during the suspensionperiod.

When the mode turned into the normal mode as a result of releasing thesuspension, execution of the command in the navigation data isrestarted.

11.2. Other embodiments

Although, the apparatus is designed so as to remain the image foroperations even in the pause mode in the embodiment described in above,the image may be disappeared.

Alternatively, the apparatus is designed so as to execute thecommunication commands even in the pause mode in the embodimentdescribed in above. It is possible to design the apparatus to suspendthe execution of all the commands.

12. Others

In all of the above embodiments, some or all the functions implementedusing the CPU could be implemented by means of hardware. Also, in all ofthe above embodiments, some or all of the functions implemented usinghardware could be implemented by using the CPU.

Also, while, in the above embodiments, an example was described in whichmagnetic tape capable of being recorded to sequentially was employed asthe recording medium for recording the converted stream, it would bepossible to employ a recording medium such as a magnetic disk, magnetooptic disk, hard disk, flexible disk, DVD or CD-R.

All the above embodiments can be interchangeably applied one another.

Throughout the above-embodiments, the present invention is applied todigital satellite broadcasting, however, the present invention may alsobe applied to other type of broadcasting methods such as digitalterrestrial broadcasting, wire broadcasting. In addition, the presentinvention may be applied to a technique for recording and reproducingdigital contents in data stream not even in broadcasting.

While the embodiments of the present invention, as disclosed herein,constitute preferred forms, it is to be understood that each term wasused as illustrative and not restrictive, and can be changed within thescope of the claims without departing from the scope and spirit of theinvention.

1. A digital transmitting apparatus that transmits a transport streamcontaining control data for realizing interactive operations,comprising: a transmitter that transmits the transport stream with aspecial stream for special playback.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1,wherein the special stream contains a control command that performsinteractive operations.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the specialstream does not contain a control command that performs interactiveoperations.
 4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the special stream doesnot contain an image for interactive operations.
 5. The apparatus ofclaim 3, wherein the special stream contains an image for interactiveoperations.
 6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the special stream forspecial playback does not contain a control command to perform aninteractive operation.
 7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the specialstream for special playback does not contain an image for interactiveoperations.
 8. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the special stream forspecial playback contains the control command that performs interactiveoperations.
 9. A digital transmitting apparatus that transmits atransport stream containing control data for realizing interactiveoperations, comprising: a transmitter that transmits the transportstream so as to contain a special stream for special playback containinga control command for performing interactive operations in addition to anormal stream for normal playback.
 10. The apparatus of claim 9, whereinthe special stream contains control data for performing interactiveoperations equivalent to that of the normal stream, the special streamfor special playback also containing control data for performinginteractive operations equivalent to that of the normal stream.
 11. Theapparatus of claim 9, wherein the special stream contains control datafor performing interactive operations equivalent to that of the normalstream, the special stream for special playback containing control datafor performing interactive operations in which a part of the controldata is omitted.
 12. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the specialstream contains control data in which a part of the control dataincluded in the normal stream is omitted, the special stream for specialplayback containing control data in which a part of the control dataincluded in the normal stream is omitted.
 13. A digital transmittingapparatus, comprising: a transmitter that transmits a transport streamcontaining control data for realizing interactive operations, whereinthe transmitted transport stream contains information as to whether toallow a special playback.